Ebuzz News
Archived: Tribe Ice Sets The Bar. Deejay Puffy, Orlando Octave, Lyrikal, Kees Set The Pace.
The question isn’t who was at Tribe Ice. The question is who wasn’t? Even Soca stars not carded to perform made their presence felt. You’ll never guess who killed it!
Carnival 2017 kicked off with pretty much a bang on Saturday night as promotional leaders, Carnival Tribe hosted its inaugural 2017 carnival fete, Tribe Ice, at the Jean Pierre Complex in Port of Spain, Trinidad. On a night when the choice of carnival pump options was still sparse, Ice seemed to be the best bet for most.
By midnight the crowd seemed to have been steadily building. Coolers, pretty girls in sexy outfits and a stage that absolutely killed it, Tribe was definitely on fire! The energy at the event, while still relatively calm for a Carnival session, did signal that there would be much to anticipate this year. Performances by MX Prime and Kees increased expectation of what was to come and when a talkative but still engaging Patrick Alexis of Nuphoric took the stage just after a stalled stage set due to technical hiccups, Soca music proved life-saving. Alcohol setting it by 2am, the Tribe Ice vibe was enough to make most agree that they’d missed Carnival and had truly been anticipating its return after the past year.
This year, Tribe’s committee members and friends were allowed a special space, apart from the rest of the crowd. The question of whether that was a good idea or not, lingers. Beyond the makeshift rope separation and barricade of black-garbed security guards stationed to ensure that those without blue or silver bands were barred from entering, a sea of Tribe faithfuls danced and looked toward the stage, seemingly hoping that they could’ve been granted closer access to see and feel the energy of there favorite soca stars.
Barbados’ Deejay Puffy brought his special vibe to Tribe Ice on Sunday morning.
Lyrikal was on point.
Notwithstanding this however, the fete went on. Lyrikal was a breath of fresh air. His style and music resonated throughout the venue and immediately hands were thrown in the air. It was as though a Carnival God had arrived and his hits, ‘Loner’, ‘Freedom’ and later, ‘Jammin Sake’, would prove that he remains a strong Soca deliverer in 2107. In the venue and taking in the energy were several other Carnival heavyweights, among them Neil Iwer George, Shal Marshal and Ricardo Drue. Barbados’ Fadda Fox was introduced by Lyrikal and gave a hearty performance of his blockbuster hit, “Dirty Habits” before exiting. The crowd would later see and experience the immensely impressive stage performance of a fellow Bajan superstar when recently crowned Red Bull Thre3Style DJ Champion, Deejay Puffy made a cameo appearance alongside Trevlyn and Lord Hype. His style is distinguishably his and we anticipate seeing a lot more of him as the season intensifies.
“Lyrikal was a breath of fresh air. His style and music resonated throughout the venue and immediately hands were thrown in the air.”
Orlando Octave did not come to play on Sunday morning.
The showstopper, who many at the venue seemed to have been looking forward to would come with his dreadlocks flowing, and his waist moving to the beat of his hit, “Single”. On his head, he wore a cap with the song’s name emblazoned. Orlando Octave had arrived. The song, as catchy as it is melodic, had the entire crowd singing along. Octave performed perfectly at Tribe Ice. His voice effortlessly sweetened the fete and when he broke into the RR riddim, which was produced by veteran DJ, Mr. Slaughter, the Xcaliber Sound head honcho would enter briefly, much to the crowd’s thrill. The reigning Soca Monarch King, ‘Aaron ‘Voice’ St. Louis was also a part of the fete. He was introduced and subsequently delivered well, with his ‘Cheers To Life” and new hits, “Far From Finished” and “Get Away” which was collaboratively created with Bad Royale.
Tribe Ice has certainly kicked off the fettin’ in T&T. Carnival 2017 slated to culminate on February 27th and 28th, the Jammin’ session is likely to be a great one for all interested. Ebuzztt.com will keep you in the know. STAY CLOSE.
Caribbean Buzz
Trinidad and Tobago, First to Host Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, This September.
After three celebrated years at Brooklyn’s historic Kings Theatre, the Caribbean Music Awards (CMA) expands beyond the awards stage with the launch of the inaugural Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, a destination celebration taking place September 18-20, 2026, in Trinidad & Tobago.
This year’s celebration unfolds under the theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, honoring the rhythms, voices, and cultural traditions that have shaped generations and continue to influence music around the world.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
The Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at the National Academy for the Performing Arts (NAPA) in Port of Spain, marking a milestone moment as the celebration expands into the Caribbean region for the first time.
The Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will transform CMA from a single-night awards ceremony into a multi-day celebration bringing together artists, fans, industry professionals, creators, tastemakers, media, and cultural leaders from across the Caribbean and around the world.
What’s In Store
The Elite Weekend Experience will feature a series of events celebrating music, culture, and community throughout the destination. Festivities will include an exclusive Welcome Reception, pre-show experiences, the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, the official after-party, a special steelpan concert presented by Stars and Steel, and additional programming designed to celebrate Trinidad & Tobago’s cultural influence. Additional programming, partnerships, performers, presenters, and special announcements will be unveiled in the coming weeks.
The move to Trinidad & Tobago marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Caribbean Music Awards, while honoring the city where it all began. New York was the ideal birthplace for the Awards, home to one of the world’s largest and most influential Caribbean diaspora communities. It was there that the Caribbean Music Awards established its identity, built its audience, and proved there was a global appetite for a world-class celebration dedicated solely to Caribbean music and culture.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
Over the past three years, Brooklyn’s iconic Kings Theatre became more than just the home of the Caribbean Music Awards. It became the launchpad for a movement that united artists, industry leaders, fans, and cultures from across the Caribbean and beyond, under one roof. The energy, ambition, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless hustle that define New York City helped shape the DNA of the Caribbean Music Awards, and that spirit will remain embedded in the brand no matter where it travels.
Now, with a strong foundation established, the Caribbean Music Awards begins the next phase of its evolution by bringing the celebration directly to the Caribbean. As the inaugural host destination for the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience, Trinidad & Tobago sets the stage for a long-term vision that will see the Awards partner with tourism boards and host destinations to spotlight a different Caribbean nation in future years. By rotating throughout the region, the Caribbean Music Awards aims to celebrate each destination’s unique culture, support tourism, create economic impact, and further strengthen the Caribbean’s creative economy while continuing to unite the global diaspora through music.
Majah Hype Returns, This Time With Nailah.
Bringing even more excitement to this year’s celebration, internationally celebrated Caribbean artiste, Nailah Blackman and acclaimed comedian, entertainer, and cultural personality Majah Hype will host the Fourth Annual Caribbean Music Awards, bringing their unique energy, charisma, and deep connection to Caribbean culture to the stage.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
For Majah Hype, the 2026 ceremony marks his fourth consecutive year hosting the Caribbean Music Awards, making him one of the longest-standing personalities connected to the celebration. Having witnessed the Awards grow from its early years at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre into a global platform for Caribbean excellence, Majah continues to bring the humor, passion, and cultural pride that have made him one of the Caribbean diaspora’s most beloved entertainers.
“Four years hosting the Caribbean Music Awards? Mi feel like dem haffi give me my own seat at this point!” said Majah Hype. “But seriously, being part of this journey from day one has been a blessing. I’ve watched this celebration grow, seen the incredible talent come through, and witnessed how much this moment means to our people. To see it expand from Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre to Trinidad & Tobago is something special. Caribbean culture is powerful, the talent is endless, and mi ready fi celebrate everybody who continues to carry our music and our culture to the world.”
For Nailah Blackman, this year’s ceremony represents a new chapter in her relationship with the Caribbean Music Awards. Having experienced the event as an attendee, performer, nominee, and winner, Nailah now steps into the role of host while continuing to be recognized as one of the leading voices in Caribbean music.
Photo Credit: Nikita Small
“The Caribbean Music Awards has been a special part of my journey,” said Nailah Blackman. “I’ve experienced this celebration as a fan, as a performer, as a nominee, and as a winner, and now being able to step into the role of host is truly an honor. To do it in Trinidad, surrounded by our people and our culture, makes this moment even more meaningful. I’m excited to celebrate the incredible artists who continue to push Caribbean music forward.”
Since launching in 2023, the Caribbean Music Awards has grown into one of the premier platforms celebrating Caribbean musical excellence, honoring artists across Dancehall, Reggae, Soca, Konpa, Chutney Soca, Zess, Dennery, Gospel, and emerging Caribbean genres. Last year’s ceremony marked a historic milestone with its BET broadcast debut, further expanding the Awards’ reach and strengthening its position as a leading global celebration of Caribbean music.
Following the announcement of more than 250 nominees across more than 40 categories earlier this year, anticipation continues to build toward what promises to be one of the biggest Caribbean Music Awards celebrations yet. This September, the Caribbean Music Awards Elite Weekend Experience will bring together the sounds, stories, and cultures that have defined generations of Caribbean creativity, inviting audiences from around the world to experience this year’s theme, Sounds of the Caribbean, from the heart of one of the region’s most influential cultural destinations.
Caribbean Buzz
Terri Lyons Expands. Artiste Shows Immense Creativity on New RC Mas Monday Wear.
There’s no box to be held in. Terri Lyons is proving that as she moves into the Monday Wear market, partnering with RC Mas ahead of Carnival 2027.
The reigning Calypso Monarch Queen of Trinidad and Tobago and multiple time Queen of Queens, on Thursday, revealed her creative ability in the mas making sector, sharing her design, ‘Purple Paradise’ – a carefully created design that’s all hers.
The entertainer told Ebuzztt she had the idea and went to the masterful, Kinaji Couture, admitting that Kinaji is a force in the market. “She does a lot of bathing suits and prototypes for bands locally, regionally and further abroad. I knew she could do it and she did execute it perfectly. I just added the flowers,” said Lyons.
In 2027, RC Mas will bring Mystical Garden to life and with the band’s theme considered, Lyons’ floral embellishment makes it abundantly clear that her creativity is disciplined and mindful. She shared her process exclusively with Ebuzztt, highlighting the time taken to design with pen and paper before sharing with Kinaji who brought it all together seamlessly. “This was a lot of work. I sat and drew it all out and I stuck every flower and the diamond studs myself,” said Terri, before adding, “I ain’t doing that again,” with a laugh. The artiste said she’ll have extra hands on board to assist in future.
